Greg Hinz On Politics

Paul Vallas to head schools again, in Bridgeport

The former Chicago Public Schools chief and candidate for Illinois governor has signed a one-year contract to head schools in Bridgeport, Conn., the Connecticut Post reports.

In the new job, Mr. Vallas will face what for him is a predictable task: managing a deeply troubled and cash-short district that, despite its size (the largest in Connecticut), is a lousy academic performer.

Mr. Vallas was not available for comment, but family sources said he also will continue to consult in Haiti and is pursuing a couple of other opportunities.

Mr. Vallas headed Chicago schools early in former Mayor Richard M. Daley's administration. He and the then-Board of Education president, Gery Chico, set the pattern for a tight, centrally controlled reform school model that has continued under Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

After an unsuccessful race for governor — Mr. Vallas lost the Democratic primary to Rod Blagojevich — he took over as schools chief in Philadelphia and later New Orleans, the latter right after Hurricane Katrina. He is 58.